Fights Lead To Several
Arrests
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Several fights erupted among
spectators during the Pineland Jamboree this past Friday, August 25 at Homer High School. This led to the arrest of
several persons according to Homer Police Chief Russell Mills. Arrested were
Shakira Danae Moore, 17, of Homer; William Hildreth, 19, of Haynesville;
Deuntric Walton, 18, of Haynesville; and Jamarcus Hunter, 18, of Homer. Mills
said officers could not determine what sparked the fights, but he was sure
there were more involved than the ones arrested.
Officers broke up one fight
between two junior high females, one from Homer and one from Haynesville. While
restraining the girls, Moore came across the officers and
hit the girl from Haynesville. Moore, Hildreth, Walton, and Hunter were all
charged with disturbing the peace by fighting.
Mills said a 16-year-old male
juvenile from Minden was also arrested for possession of marijuana. The youth was observed smoking a cigarette.
Mills informed him the school campus was a smoke-free zone and asked him to
turn over his cigarettes. The juvenile pulled a cigarette and a marijuana
cigarette rolled in cigar paper from his pocket. School authorities in Webster
Parish were notified of the arrest.
On Monday morning, August 28,
around 8 AM, another altercation broke out as Homer Junior High
students were entering the school building. Seven Homer Junior High students
and one female student from Homer High were suspended pending a hearing.
Monday evening around 6 PM, Homer Police officers were
called to the Claiborne Boys and Girls Club in regard to a fight between two
young girls. A large
crowd had gathered and were urging the girls to fight. By the time officers
arrived, the crowd had moved toward the apartments across the street. Officers
were informed a 15-year-old male juvenile had instigated the fight by throwing
one girl into the other. When they attempted to question the young man, he
became belligerent and started cursing the officers.
Sgt. Jimmy Hamilton instructed
the young man to get in the police unit so they could transport him to the
Police Station for questioning. He refused. By the time Chief Mills arrived on
the scene, the situation was out of control.
The youth continued to fight
and curse, but officers managed to handcuff him. He was transported to the
Homer Police Station where he was arrested and charged with disturbing the
peace, resisting an officer, and resisting arrest. He was taken to the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta.
Mills said, “Our youth are our
future and we need to make them realize this type of activity is not going to
be tolerated at school or away from school.”
Superintendent James Scriber
agreed. All the students have been suspended pending a hearing He said, “School
is not the place for this (fighting), and we will not tolerate it.”
The punishment for fighting is determined on a
case by case basis. Students can be suspended for 3 days or 12 months,
depending on the situation. Information is being gathered from different
sources to make sure of accuracy before conducting a hearing.
Scriber said they intend to
make every school campus as safe as possible and will do everything in their
power to do so.
Drug Arrests Made At
School
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Two juveniles were arrested on
Thursday, August 17 after Homer Police officers were called to Homer High School regarding possible drug
activity. Homer Police Chief Russell
Mills, along with officers J. D. Faulkner and Norah Banks, were dispatched to
the school to investigate the incident.
Apparently one student had a
brought a baggie to school with a substance that appeared to be marijuana.
Further evidence proved the juvenile had separated the substance into portions
and had distributed one portion to a 16-year-old female student.
The 14-year-old boy was
arrested and charged with possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. He
was transported to the Ware Youth Center in Coushatta. The girl was
charged with simple possession of marijuana and released to her mother. Both
students were suspended pending a hearing.
Chief Mills said, “This is a
serious offense. It is not to be taken lightly, and a person’s age is not a
factor.” The Homer Police Department is working hard throughout the community
to clean up the drug activity, especially among our youth. This is one step
forward in preventing drug activity in our schools, and this department will
continue to do so in the future. Mills
said, “Drugs will not be tolerated in this community, but moreso, drugs will
not be tolerated in our schools.”
“Don’t kid yourself,”
Mills said. “If you involve yourself in drug activity, you will be arrested and
you will be punished to the full extent allowed by the law.”
Superintendent James Scriber
said State Law governs how to handle a student who violates drug laws. This is
fully outlined in the Student Handbook distributed to each student every year.
Parents are required to read all the rules, then sign and return a statement
acknowledging receipt of the handbook.
Regarding drug violations, the
Handbook states if a student if found guilty, the punishment will follow
guidelines according to State Law. Students found guilty of possession of, or
knowledge of possession, exchanging, distributing, selling, or possessing with
the intention of selling any illegal drugs or substances as defined in RS
40:964-971.1A or alcohol while on school premises or at school-related
functions, shall in accordance with RS17:416 be expelled. Students 16 years of
age, in grades 6-12, will be expelled for 24 calendar months. Students under 16
years, in grades 6-12, shall be expelled 12 calendar months.
HOMER MEMORIAL HOSPITAL CELEBRATES! Homer Memorial Hospital
received “No Deficiencies” on its annual State Survey for the second year in a
row! Mr. Doug Efferson, Administrator, called a staff meeting Friday morning,
August 18, to thank all the employees for their hard work in accomplishing such
an outstanding feat!! Hospital staff and visitors were served popcorn in
celebration. Pictured are Rita Coker, Respiratory Therapy Manager, Buddy
Pixley, Board Chairman, Melody Ceccarelli, Emergency Department Manager, Gaye
Brunson, Administrative Director, and Mr. Efferson. A special thanks to Gaye
Brunson for manning the popcorn machine!
Family Dollar Shoplifter
Caught
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
Homer Police officers were
dispatched to the Family Dollar Store located on Hwy. 79 north in Homer on
Tuesday evening,, August 28, in response to an
emergency 911 call received about 6:55 PM concerning a shoplifting
incident. The store clerk reported she had confronted a black male suspected of
shoplifting. The man threw down some deodorant spray and tried to leave the
store. She attempted to stop him, but the man hit her and shoved her out of the
way.
The man left in a black 2004
Nissan Sentra driven by Donald Fisher who had recently moved back to this area
from Dallas, Texas. Sgt. Jimmy Hamilton observed the Nissan at the
intersection of La. 2 and La. 9, and began to follow the vehicle. With
assistance from Homer Police officers Roger Smith and John Bailey, Hamilton
pulled the vehicle over on La. 2 about 200 yards west of Arizona Road.
Both persons were taken to the
Family Dollar where the clerk identified the passenger in the car as the
shoplifter. Officers viewed the surveillance tape which confirmed the clerk’s
account. Approximately $20 worth of items had been taken including body spray,
shower gel, and a package of cigarette lighters.
Lamar Burns, 39, of Greer Road off La. 2 east of Homer, near Lisbon, was arrested and charged with
theft by shoplifting and simple battery. Shortly after 8 PM, Burns was transported to the Claiborne Parish Detention Center where he was booked.
Further investigation cleared
the driver of any involvement. He had only offered to give Burns a ride to town
and was totally unaware of what had transpired inside the store.
“Labor Of Love”
Fundraiser Saturday,
September 2
A The “Labor of Love”
fundraising campaign will be held in Haynesville on Saturday, September 2 in an
effort to raise funds to offset rising expenses fory former Haynesville
resident Michael Waits who was diagnosed in 2001 with ALS, more commonly known
as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Among the activities will include a drawing for 100
gallons of gas (call Linda Knox at 625-1606 for tickets), a Motorcycle Ride
(Ron Rawson 624-2817), a Walk-A-Thon (Betty Thrailkill 624-0194), Book &
Video Fair (Betty Jordan 624-1114), Fireman’s Boot Drive, and Auction (Suzy Allen
624-0235 or Linda Knox)..
Haynesville Council Adopts
New Policies
BY
SUSAN T. HERRING, Editor, The Guardian-Journal
The Haynesville Town Council
voted to adopt new policies on time cards, vehicle use, and smoking at their
regular meeting on Thursday, August 17. Each policy was read by Rene’
Lincoln-Buggs before a vote was taken. All three policies were approved
unanimously.
The new policy for time cards
prohibits anyone except the supervisor to write on a time card. No exceptions.
Each employee should clock in for themselves only. Any employee caught clocking
in for another employee will be terminated immediately. Failure to adhere to
this policy will involve consequences. No exceptions.
The policy approved for use of
city vehicles would allow employees who live inside the city limit to drive a
city vehicle home, as long as the vehicle was used for town business only.
Employees who live outside the city limits must bring the vehicle back to the
department.
A gas key will be assigned to
each city employee and must by used by that employee only. A log which will be
drawn up by the auditor will be kept in each vehicle and turned in monthly to
City Hall. Anyone violating this policy will be immediately terminated. No
exceptions.
The Council also approved a
smoking ban for all city vehicles and all city buildings. Employees who violate
this policy will be written up and given two days off without pay. On the
second offense, employees will be written up and given four days off without
pay. The third offense will be automatic termination of employment without pay.
No exceptions. This includes the Fair Building, the School, and the AARP
building. Anyone caught smoking in these buildings will lose their rental deposit.
Carla Smith suggested “No
Smoking” signs be placed inside the buildings for the benefit of the general
public.
Buggs also suggested setting up
a committee to review the Town’s present drug policy and make recommendations
for any changes needed. She also suggested the committee establish a plan to
provide orientation for new employees for at least 8 hours before they start
work. All five councilmen agreed to serve on this committee. Joyce Majors
suggested they look at employee evaluation forms which are required under the
Lawrason Act.
McDONALD’S RECENTLY DISSASEMBLED THE PLAYGROUND in
Homer. According to Brad Burch, General Manager for Gilley Enterprises in Monroe who owns
several area McDonald’s, landscaping ideas are still being considered, but no
decision has been made. Burch is also the son-in-law of Claiborne Chamber of Commerce
President J. T. Taylor
McDonald’s
Has New Look
No
More
Play
Land
BY
JIMMY DEAN, Feature
Writerr, The Guardian-Journal
Local residents may wonder
what’s going on at the Homer McDonald’s.
Owned by Gilley Enterprises of Monroe,
the 
local McDonald’s is awaiting the next phase in scheduled improvements.
General Manager Brad Burch says they are in the process of refurbishing and
updating the local restaurant, “improving and upgrading.”
The Homer McDonald’s opened several years ago with
distinctive retro decor. The color scheme, lighting, and furnishings have been
updated with a fresh, modern look incorporating burgundy accents and an
impression of more room.
The play yard was removed a few
weeks ago and remains bare, awaiting improvement. Contacted recently by phone,
Burch says they have not yet determined what to do with the playground area.
When 
asked about the rumor that a snake was found in the ball pit, Burch says that is untrue,
that none of their restaurants have had problems of that type. When asked about
rumors that a fountain will be built out front, Burch replies that plans are
not final and that landscaping ideas are still being considered.
In response to how WalMart’s
sudden departure has affected their business, Burch says it’s too early to
tell. They offered only drive-through service during the recent remodeling. He
says that certainly affected sales, but they have not attributed any drop in sales directly
to Wal-Mart’s closing.
Gilley Enterprises owns and operates several
McDonald’s restaurants in North Louisiana and South Arkansas.
Overheard at
McDonald’s Tueday morning: “Since they closed Wal-Mart, I come over here every
morning to see my friends.”
Sales
Tax Collections Drop
The total sales tax collected
by the Claiborne Parish School Board in the month of July 2006 was $224,111.90,
compared to $406,315.19 for the previous month. Collections in July 2005 were
$257,430.22. This is the first month without any sales tax collections from
Wal-Mart. According to Tax Collector Nelda Beard, collections were down $23,000
for the Town of Homer and $7,500 for the Claiborne
Parish Police Jury.
Sales tax collections were
generally down across the board, even with businesses that some were hoping to
see increase their sales to help offset the loss of Wal-Mart.
If this is any indication of
the direction sales tax revenues will take in the future, the money Wal-Mart
has agreed to pay the Town of Homer, School Board, and Police Jury
may not be enough to offset the losses expected this year.
Commissioners
Attend
State
Water Board Meeting
"The Louisiana Ground
Water Resources Commission (LGWRC) met on Monday, July
31, 2006
in Baton Rouge. Gene Coleman and Alice
Stewart, the Sparta Commission's representatives from Claiborne Parish,
attended. Sparta Aquifer issues were prominent on the agenda.
The Sparta Aquifer can supply
approximately 52 million gallons of water a day to the north Louisiana parishes, but these parishes
have for decades been withdrawing more than 70 million gallons a day. The
overdraft is causing water to become unavailable or unusable to more and more
areas, and it is causing compaction of soils to the extent that some soils may
never again be able to hold water.
Representative Hollis Downs
outlined a four pronged state led approach to correct the Sparta problem.
First, Sparta usage can be reduced five
to six
million gallons of water a day by water saving behaviors on the part of
businesses and individuals. LSU Cooperative Extension and the Ag Center are
leading the public education effort having launched in the Spring
of this year programs in schools and 4H clubs. Representative Downs commented
that, not only is this a relatively inexpensive approach, but individuals and
businesses will enjoy lower water bills.
Second, Sparta usage can be reduced 12
million gallons of water a day if leakage by commercial water systems is
reduced by one half. According to State Representative Hollis Downs and his
source of information, the Louisiana Rural Water Association (LRWA), the
approximately 177 systems in the Sparta are leaking 24 million gallons
per day between the time the water is pumped out of the ground and the time
that it gets to the end users. Leakage nationally is 10% but in the Sparta area it is 30%. Representative
Downs said that loans for new or expanded rural water systems are contingent
these days upon efficient practices. Such practices include: 1) metering water
use at the well and at the customer end to detect leaks and assess repairs; 2)
replacing flat rates with water usage rates to encourage water conservation; 3)
restructuring rates to allow reserves to keep systems operating effectively;
and 4) merging or partnering systems that individually are too small to raise
the revenues needed for improvements or to respond adequately to emergencies.
Representative Downs reported that the legislature has created new state
funding (CDBG similar to CDBG federal funds) functioning much like the now
defunct Governor's Office of Rural Development (GORD) funding. Grants are most
likely to be awarded to applicants who run efficient, solvent water systems.
LRWA checks systems for leakage and advises about resources.
Third, it is thought that Sparta usage might be reduced by
about 10 million gallons of water a day if West Monroe waste is purified to drinking
water standards for use by Graphic Packaging, currently a Sparta water user. An added benefit
is decreased discharge into the Ouachita River. The paper container manufacturer’s proposal has earned
FDA approval and state funding of a pilot project. The comprehensive project is
expected to cost $18 million.
Fourth, Sparta usage can be reduced by about
10 to 12 million gallons of water a day by piping surface water for Lincoln
Parish users, who are currently drawing from the Sparta. Representative Downs reported
that the final funds have now been secured to pay for the engineering study of
a pipeline from Ruston to Lake D'Arbonne. The estimated cost of this
project is $75 million.
Pointing out the relatively low
cost of repairing water system leaks, adopting personal water saving behaviors,
and enhancing water conservation public education, Representative Downs advised
initiating these practices before requesting assistance from the state or
nation for Sparta water saving endeavors.
State Groundwater Resources
Director Tony Duplechin, reporting on state regulation, said that owners of
non-domestic Sparta water wells must submit monthly water usage report to
the Office of Conservation. This measure should inform Office of Conservation
staff about Sparta water levels, groundwater usage, and the effect of
remedial actions, such as those listed by Representative Downs.
Withdrawal restrictions of Sparta users have not been imposed at
this time, but the Commissioner of Conservation has the authority to do so on a
case by case basis. Act 49 of the 2003 Louisiana legislature placed authority
with the Commissioner of Conservation. In 2005, responding to an application of
the Sparta Commission to declare all the Sparta a ‘critical groundwater area,’
the Commissioner issued an order declaring three areas of the Sparta Aquifer
'critical.’ The areas are Ruston-Simsboro-Grambling, Monroe-West Monroe, and
Jonesboro-Hodge. Later in 2005, Representative Fannin and Senator Kostelka
initiated the passage of Act 225, which changed the wording from 'critical groundwater
areas' to 'areas of groundwater concern.' Such areas may be declared 'critical'
if the Commissioner of Conservation considers it necessary, after education and
vigorous pursuit of alternative sources of potable water have been shown
inadequate to solve excessive pumping.
The Commissioner of
Conservation is in the process of deciding the composition of Regional Water
Advisory Boards. A Baton Rouge attendee inquired, as he has
at past meetings, if the advice of a group of concerned citizens will be considered.
He was told that the Commissioner of Conservation will consider such a group's
recommendations of people who are willing to serve as regional advisors."
Re-Elect
Huey Dean
Mayor
Town Of Homer
Huey Dean is once again seeking
the 
support of the fine citizens of Homer and asking that they vote to re-elect
him mayor for the Town of Homer.
Dean said he is concerned about
the financial future of the town and would like the opportunity to continue to
bring the town’s finances into better shape. Since taking office in 2003, the
total balance in all funds, including restricted fund accounts, has steadily
improved—gaining more than $2 million overall. Dedicated sales tax funds
collected each month are now being deposited into separate checking accounts to
ensure they are in compliance with the law and the Town is spending money where
it is supposed to be spent.
One of Dean’s main concerns is the way
the town has been divided in recent years. The Town has been given a bad image,
one he believes it does not deserve. This is a wonderful town, filled with
wonderful people. There are only a few who want to keep things stirred up. Most
people are tired of it and would like to see it stop, and I am definitely one of them.
Dean wants all citizens of
Homer to realize, we have only one town. It is “our” home and we all must do
everything we can to care for our home. We must all work to make our town a
safe place where people can live together in peace and harmony. This is something
that cannot be done by one person. It will take the cooperation of every
citizen.
If the good citizens will vote
to re-elect him on September 30th, Dean said he wants to work toward bringing
the town together. He believes a new attitude of togetherness is needed if we
are to keep people from moving away and keep businesses from closing down.
He will work hard to bring
Wal-Mart back to Homer. He believes Wal-Mart would probably never have made the
decision to close if people were moving to Homer rather than away. If Wal-Mart
does not return, he will work to replace it with Fred’s, K-Mart, or Target. He
also promises to work hard to fill other empty buildings with new businesses,
such as vacant buildings in the Industrial Park and the one next to Brookshire’s.
Dean said he will work hard
with our state and national legislators to get the Homer Bypass completed, then get that area annexed inside the city limits. He
believes Wal-Mart might reconsider building a Super Center once the Bypass is completed.
Other things Dean plans to do
if re-elected:
• Make our town a “drug-free”
town. Drugs are destroying the lives of our young people.
• Keep our streets clean and in
good repair by continuing with overlay projects.
• Develop a plan to pick-up our
own garbage with our own people. This will mean more local jobs and a saving of
about $40,000-$50,000 per year on our sewer rates.
• Pay off the debt with the
USDA which will save the Town about $3 million.
• Continue to work to get more
grants such as the ones we have received for our airport, sewer plant, streets,
etc. The Town recently applied for a grant to drill a new
water well.
• Continue to work with the
Board of Directors at the Homer Memorial Hospital to make improvements at the
hospital or to build a new facility if it becomes more feasible in the future.
Although the Town of Homer owns the hospital, he believes
those funds should remain separate and used strictly to make improvements in
healthcare for our citizens.
Above all, I will continue to
have an open door policy. Dean said, “Your problems are our problems too. When
you need us, we are willing and able to help you.”
Dean said, “When I am in my
office, my door is never locked. Anyone who wants to talk to me can walk
directly into my office.“ For those of you who have
called me in the past with needs, you know I have done my very best to solve
any problem as quickly as possible.
As mayor, Dean said his only
goal has been to take care of the community to the best of his ability, to do
his best to keep water rates and the cost of living low so people can afford to
live here. He added, “I know I always do not have the power to make these
decisions by myself. I have to rely on the Town Council to make good decisions.
It is my job to make sure Town policies are followed.”
“I love this town. It has been
my home all my life. I care about the future of this town and only want what is
best for everyone,” said Dean.
“Please remember you are the
ones that put us in office and you are the ones who can remove us,” said
Dean. He offered his appreciation for
the continued support of the citizens in the Town of Homer and promises to give 100% to
make our town a better place to live.
If you have questions,
concerns, or suggestions, don’t hesitate to give Dean a call at 927-1312 or
548-1486. On Saturday, September 30, please vote #63 to re-elect Huey Dean as
your mayor.
